Category: Avionics

Safe Flight Instrument Awarded RC-135 Auto Throttle Performance System

Safe Flight Instrument of White Plains, NY announced that L3Harris has selected their Auto Throttle Performance System for their RC-135 aircraft refresh program.

Safe Flight’s Auto Throttle Performance System (ATPS) consists of two Enhanced Aircraft Performance Computers (EAPC) and four independent Synthetic Clutch Servomotors (SCS). The EAPC will host Safe Flight’s pioneered Autothrottle, Angle-of-Attack (AoA), SCAT and Wind Shear systems as well as Runway Rotation Guidance and Speed Deviation functionality as required by the Integrated Mission Systems Team at L3Harris.

“Safe Flight has been a valued partner on the RC-135 for over a quarter century and we look forward to developing the next generation of equipment to support the fleet horizon through 2050.  Both the Enhanced Aircraft Performance Computers and the Synthetic Clutch Servomotors will add operational functionality while significantly removing weight and increasing reliability and maintenance objectives,” said Matt Greene, president of Safe Flight Instrument.

 

Ace Aeronautics Earns STC for Electro-Optical Sensor Mount

Ace Aeronautics, (ACE) announced the issuance of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) # SR01957WI for the Ace Aero HD Sensor Mount for the UH-60/S-70 family of helicopters.

The Electro-Optical Infrared (EO/IR) Sensor Mount will allow operators of the Black Hawk to add a nose mounted EO/IR sensor to their fleet of aircraft. The kit consists of a one-piece machined aluminum alloy 6061-T631 nose mounted replacement fairing, adapter plate, ILS Glide Slope antenna and connector panel. The kit was designed to accept the largest 16-inch targeting sensors down to the smaller 8-inch stabilized gimballed sensors. There are also adapter plates to accommodate three widely used EO/IR manufactures systems: FLIR Systems, WESCAM and Trakka Systems.

“We really set out to accommodate the integrator and installer with this unit,” said vice president of Business Development Tracy Stapleton. “The nose mounted fairing is a direct replacement for the existing maintenance fairing under the nose avionics shelf. It is match drilled to the host aircraft, and the adapter plate allows for rapid installation and removal of a sensor.”

“There are approximately 4,000 UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters around the world that would benefit from an EO/IR sensor, as it brings a tremendous amount of situational awareness to the crew,” said Stapleton.

The company says the STC offers affordable and easy-to-install design and targets the soon-to-be fielded U. S. Army UH-60V program, as every one of the 760 aircraft is slated to have a sensor “A-kit” installed. “Our kit was designed as a great value to the end user,” says EVP Frank Wallace. “We are a tenth of the cost and require only about two days to install, resulting in a huge savings in procurement and labor over the OEM design.”

Turkish Technic Offers Connectivity Upgrade with its New Server and WAP Products

Turkish Technic has completed the design, production and certification process of its new server and wireless access point (WAP) products, the backbone of in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems. The company says this also marks a new milestone of in-house production in aviation sector for Turkish Technic following the production of its aviation seats and galley. Turkish Technic’s new server and WAP surpass the competition with the features such as easy integration with various software applications and providing flexibility in determining equipment configuration according to current system requirements.

Providing the option of storing media (movies, videos, newspapers, magazines etc.), internet access and sharing the content with the passengers abroad the aircraft, servers act as a media source to transform air travel into a fun experience. Developed and produced by Turkish Technic, the products are customized according to the market needs and equipped with new features. Both the server and WAP are a step up from the IFE & Connectivity market competition. The new server provides 6 TB of data storage, which is 3 times more than its counterparts. The WAP has 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz dual band radio.

“During these challenging times that affect aviation and the whole world, our commitment to improve our software and hardware capabilities continues,” stated Ahmet Karaman, general manager of Turkish Technic. “Being a leading MRO company in the world, we work to improve our service quality as well as the product range. With an aim to provide best connectivity products in the market, our team continues to bring their best efforts forward to achieve that goal. After developing and producing our aircraft galley and seats, we now add our servers and WAP products to the list. We would not be able to do all this without the passion and commitment of our people. I thank them for their tireless efforts and cooperation.”

Developed by the engineers at Turkish Technic, the server and WAP are designed to meet all advanced communication needs of its customers. With their full function tests and trials in extreme conditions complete, the server and WAP are approved by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

Turkish Technic Offers Connectivity Upgrade with its New Server and WAP Products

Turkish Technic has completed the design, production and certification process of its new server and wireless access point (WAP) products, the backbone of in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems. This also marks a new milestone of in-house production in aviation sector for Turkish Technic following the production of its aviation seats and galley. Turkish Technic’s new server and WAP surpass the competition with the features such as easy integration with various software applications and providing flexibility in determining equipment configuration according to current system requirements.

Providing the option of storing media (movies, videos, newspapers, magazines etc.), internet access and sharing the content with the passengers abroad the aircraft, servers act as a media source to transform air travel into a fun experience. Developed and produced by Turkish Technic, the products are customized according to the market needs and equipped with new features. Both the server and WAP are a step up from the IFE & Connectivity market competition. The new server provides 6 TB of data storage, which is 3 times bigger than its counterparts. The WAP has 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz dual band radio.

“During these challenging times that affect aviation and the whole world, our commitment to improve our software and hardware capabilities continues. Being a leading MRO company in the world, we work to improve our service quality as well as the product range,” said Ahmet Karaman, general manager of Turkish Technic. “With an aim to provide best connectivity products in the market, our team continues to bring their best efforts forward to achieve that goal. After developing and producing our aircraft galley and seats, we now add our servers and WAP products to the list. We would not be able to do all this without the passion and commitment of our people. I thank them for their tireless efforts and cooperation.”

Developed by the skilled and dedicated experts and engineers at Turkish Technic, the server and WAP are designed to meet all advanced communication needs of its customers. With their full function tests and trials in extreme conditions complete, the server and WAP are approved by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

Innovative Solutions & Support Flat Panel Display System Upgrade Continues Strong Growth in Air Cargo Sector

Innovative Solutions & Support (IS&S) announced their Cockpit/IP FPDS System Upgrade for Boeing 757 and 767 aircraft is now in operation on well over 400 airplanes worldwide. IS&S stated, “the significant shift in air carrier operations toward cargo movements has brought the need for more freight-configured aircraft to the marketplace, and many available aircraft for that mission are these proven Boeing airliners.”

S&S believes the growth trend toward older aircraft being reconfigured for cargo operations will continue, as these aircraft provide a cost-effective ease of entry for the legacy carriers and also for newer operators initiating or expanding their air cargo platforms. “The IS&S system provides greatly enhanced economy for these older aircraft, and also increases their residual values as well as delivering safety benefits to everyday operations. Several notable freight operators have opted into our Cockpit/IP system upgrade for their Boeing fleets,” IS&S stated.

The IS&S flight deck upgrade replaces aging flight instruments on the Classic Series Boeing 737 and the 757/767, utilizing a common 10.4-inch LCD display architecture that IS&S developed and certified to increase operational performance, improve dispatch and on-time arrival, simplify maintenance, enhance situational awareness and improve safety for legacy aircraft. The IS&S retrofit decreases fuel consumption and aircraft weight, resulting in operational savings and reduced CO2 emissions. The system also achieves 3 and 10 day MMEL approval.

Utilizing existing wiring, the installation can be completed in 24 hours while reducing the component count by 70% and removing approximately 180 pounds of legacy equipment, without the operator having to wait through heavy maintenance checks and extended aircraft downtime.

Thales and StandardAero Successfully Achieve the Industry’s First 4-Axis Autopilot Flight Test for Airbus AS350 and H125 Helicopters

Thales and StandardAero have announced the successful first flight test of a revolutionary compact autopilot system that will bring Airbus AS350 and H125 helicopters into a new era of performance and safety.  The achievement of this key milestone lays the groundwork for this important phase of the Supplemental Type Certification (STC) process and the launch of an unparalleled autopilot solution to the light helicopter market by mid-2021.

Flight testing, which will continue throughout this winter at StandardAero’s Langley, British Columbia, Canada facility, demonstrates Thales’ and StandardAero’s commitment to develop and certify a compact, advanced 4-axis helicopter Autopilot System.  Earlier this year, StandardAero/Thales previously announced that WeatherTech, the well-known automotive accessories company, has agreed to be its launch customer.  The Autopilot will initially be certified for installation on both the Airbus AS350 and H125 helicopter platforms.

“The launch of this flight test program is a key milestone for StandardAero and Thales.  This product combines Thales’ Autopilot experience, based on billions of flight hours accumulated and outstanding customer satisfaction, with StandardAero’s extensive aftermarket capabilities in aircraft modification and certification.  We aim to bring a user-friendly solution offering an unparalleled level of safety and reliability to the light helicopter market,” said Jean-Paul Ebanga, Thales VP of Flight Avionics activities.

The Thales/StandardAero compact autopilot is an intuitive automatic flight control system on the AS350/H125 that increases safety through reduced pilot workload.  It provides stability augmentation, attitude retention and flight director modes such as altitude or heading hold and reduces the risk of aircraft incidents.

“This state-of-the-art, 4-axis autopilot system has been designed as a straightforward retrofit and provides pilots with simplified operation that will help reduce wear and tear on the helicopter while making flying in normal and adverse conditions much easier and safer for the crew and passengers,” said Elvis Moniz, vice president of Product Development for StandardAero’s Helicopters business unit.  “Moreover, with the increase in EMS flying and recent CFIT related helicopter accidents, anything that can help pilots navigate more safely is of paramount interest.” says Moniz.

StandardAero and Thales say they bring complementary expertise to the collaboration. Thales produces the essential components, including the advanced control management systems, four trim actuators, three intelligent linear actuators and the data concentrator/control panel.  StandardAero brings their expertise in aircraft modification and certification, which enables them to manage the detailed design of the mechanical and electrical systems integration. With their comprehensive FAA (Federal Aviation Authority) certification plan, certification approval is expected mid-2021.

Trimec and Chicago Jet Team to Provide G200 Operators NextGen ProLink FANS/CPDLC

Trimec Aviation, a certified FAA Part 145 Repair Station (#18TR248C) and authorized full-service maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility has joined forces with Chicago Jet Group to deliver their NextGen ProLink solution for the Future Navigation System (FANS) Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC) for the Gulfstream G200 aircraft. Chicago Jet Group has CPDLC FANS 1/A+ Supplemental Type Certificates (STC) for numerous other business jets and expects to attain the ProLink STC for the G200 in the coming weeks.

John Holland, Trimec Aviation’s general manager commented, “We are excited to be working closely with Mike Mitera and the great team at Chicago Jet Group on this achievement as our relationship goes back many years. We are always looking for ways to help our customers and this package with the Universal Avionics components provides additional CPDLC features as well as an economic alternative for the G200 operators that are now looking to upgrade to FANS,” added Holland.

“This is a culmination of a lot of hard work and we are grateful for John and the Trimec team’s support and expertise along the way,” said Mike Mitera, president of CJG.  “Now we look forward to G200 installations both in Fort Worth and here in Chicago while providing a considerable return on investment to these G200 operators.”

NextGen Pro•Link is the first complete Proline 4 Dual Integrated FMS upgrade for legacy integrated navigation systems.  Universal Avionics provides the foundation avionics components to equip and certify aircraft for Controller-Pilot Data Link including CPDLC-DCL, CPDLC-Enroute, FANS 1/A+, and European ATN B1 (formerly Link 2000+). ProLink customers also gain LPV approach capability as well as CPDLC “Push-to-Load” capability required by the FAA for US domestic use.

Eclipse Synthetic Vision and Autothrottle Kit Available from IS&S

The FAA certified Innovative Solutions & Support’s Synthetic Vision (SVS) installation and Autothrottle Upgrade for the Eclipse Jet, applicable to aircraft with software versions 2.7.8 and 2.7.10.  This installation marks IS&S’s first upgrade directly to Eclipse owners and involves substantial pre-orders.  Eclipse owners now have the benefit of a significant avionics equipment upgrade and ongoing product support directly from their partnership with IS&S.

“IS&S is excited to support the Eclipse Owners and Operators with this Upgrade and greatly appreciates their continued enthusiasm and input,” Tom Grunbeck, IS&S director of Autothrottle Programs commented.

In developing this Eclipse upgrade, IS&S says it prioritized the operational and safety advantages of:

  • Upgrading the Primary flight displays with SVS
  • Enabling autothrottle operation down to approach minimums with improvements in the shutoff switch now being within the pilot’s direct control, instead of on the landing gear select switch
  • Software upgrades that provide improved presentation of performance and situational data displayed on cockpit instruments, as well as on the pilot’s EFB.  They include: Map airspace labeling upgrade, ethernet initialization upgrade, EFB rendering performance upgrade, Fly By/Fly Over logic upgrade, 2.7.8 software upgrade to 2.7.10.

Constant Aviation Secures Transport Canada Validation to Install Pro Line Fusion Upgrade on Canadian-Based Challenger 604s

Constant Aviation’s Bombardier Challenger 604 flight deck upgrade has achieved an international milestone. Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) has validated the supplemental type certificate (STC) for the flight deck upgrade, which replaces the Challenger 604’s factory installed CRT displays with a package of high-resolution Pro Line Fusion touchscreens from Collins Aerospace. With this validation, Constant Aviation is approved to install the upgrade on Canadian-registered aircraft. It is also the first step toward further international growth for the program, which is on track to be validated by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) later this year.

“Transport Canada validation opens up an important market for the Challenger 604 Pro Line Fusion upgrade,” said David Davies, Constant Aviation CEO. “There are more than 20 Challenger 604 aircraft registered in Canada, and their operators now have access to an unmatched avionics solution that modernizes these aircraft for many more years of use. Based on the response we have seen since launching this program in the United States, we expect Canadian-based operators will move quickly to install the Pro Line Fusion package on their Challenger 604 aircraft.”

Constant Aviation has completed 25 Pro Line Fusion installations on United States-registered Challenger 604s since the program began in 2018, and it will induct three more in the coming months. The MRO expects that 15 percent of the Challenger 604s in use across the U.S. will receive this upgrade by mid-2021.

Challenger 604 operators are choosing the Pro Line Fusion system for its multiple benefits. Most noticeably, Pro Line Fusion’s three widescreen displays provide 35 percent more glass than the aircraft’s stock CRT displays. This enhances data presentation for pilots and provides exceptional situational awareness. The package also comes with NextGen communications technologies like Synthetic Vision, Data Link, ADS-B Out, WAAS/LPV, and the option to add Safe Flight AutoPower and FANS-1/A. These technologies are essential for future operations of the Challenger 604 worldwide, and they can greatly improve the aircraft’s resale value.

“One important element about the Pro Line Fusion package is that it is future-proof,” said Blake Hogge, director of Avionics Sales for Constant Aviation. “The open and scalable architecture is designed to comply with all foreseeable regulatory mandates and technological evolutions. This gives operators peace of mind that their asset–the aircraft–will better retain its value in the long-term. U.S.-based operators have recognized how important this is for the future of their organizations, and we are excited to bring the same benefits to Canadian aircraft.”

Rolls-Royce Launches New Electronics Manufacturing Capability at Purdue University

Rolls-Royce has created new engine controls capability near the campus of Purdue University to support the company’s U.S. defense business, including the F130 engine competing for the U.S. Air Force B-52 program. The high-tech controllers, about the size of a laptop computer, are safety-critical technical components that reduce pilot workload and enhance fuel efficiency.

Rolls-Royce will assemble and test electronic engine controllers. The first controller has been completed at Rolls-Royce in the Purdue Research Foundation’s Discovery Park District adjacent to the Purdue campus at West Lafayette, Indiana, and will be installed onto a Rolls-Royce AE 3007H engine, manufactured at the company’s facilities in Indianapolis, U.S.

“Rolls-Royce has partnered with Purdue University for decades and we are excited to launch our new controls capability on campus to assemble and test these high-tech engine components,” Tom Bell, Rolls-Royce, president – Defense and CEO of Rolls-Royce North America, said.  “Whether for the Rolls-Royce AE family of engines or for our competitive F130 engine for the B-52, these new controllers will support U.S. military pilots as they fly around the world, offering the highest-quality technical product.”

Purdue University has been designated as a Rolls-Royce University Technology Partnership and collaborated on research including advanced engine technology, materials and testing capability with Rolls-Royce investment at the university topping $18 million since 2015 and more than 600 Purdue graduates among the company’s workforce in Indianapolis. Rolls-Royce and Purdue have also collaborated on initiatives in cybersecurity and digital technology, as well as the new controls project.

The facility at Purdue will also assemble electronic controllers for Rolls-Royce F130 engines for the Air Force B-52 strategic bomber re-engining program, if the company wins the engine competition later this year.